Don't Fall For It: Fad diets may lead to weight loss, but not for long

Fad diets have grown in popularity in recent years. In fact, it’s not uncommon to turn on the TV and find multiple commercials promising “quick and significant weight loss” and a “magic solution” to better health.

Presented as a cure for quick weight loss and health changes, fad diets often limit what you can consume and have the potential to harm your health.

“Fad diets promise rapid weight loss, but don’t support sustainable mental health,” says Clytie Robinette of the Utah-based Anew Therapy. 

Dr. Pedram Kordrostami, founder and CEO of the Wyoming-based supplement company Omre, says fad diets can be extremely restrictive and often eliminate food groups, which makes it difficult for people to find long-term success.

“Fad diets fail because of their unsustainable rules and guidelines and inadequate nutrient balance,” he says.

Physician Dr. Michael Lahey went as far as to say fad diets are “impossible to follow for very long.”

“The fad diet plans are usually misleading and very unhealthy because they cause fast weight loss, but are not healthy since they have no balance and inadequate nutrients,” Lahey says. “They include feelings of restricted nutrients and energy intake. It is also easy to regain most of the lost weight once the diet program is stopped.

“Every diet is beneficial and vice versa. The main fat-loss goal should be to eat a well-balanced diet that will provide all necessary nutrients and can be sustained for a long time.”